FESTIVALSEASON
KENT ’ S BEST FESTIVALS 2023 CONT .
Broadstairs Dickens Festival , Broadstairs // 16 - 18 June www . broadstairsdickensfestival . co . uk
Back for their 86th year is the famous Broadstairs Dickens Festival , a celebration of the acclaimed writer Charles Dickens , a regular visitor to Broadstairs between the years of 1837 and 1859 . In 1937 , Gladys Waterer , the then resident of Dickens House , conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and of placing people around the town in Victorian dress to commemorate the centenary of the author ' s first visit , a celebration still firmly in place today . Step back in time and join the crowds for a day of immersive performances , talks and costumes .
Stour Music Festivals , Stour Valley // 16 - 25 June www . stourmusic . org . uk
A festival of early music taking place in the beautiful medieval church of All Saints ' Boughton Aluph , overlooking the Stour Valley . Held over two consecutive weekends , this is an exquisite collaboration featuring music from I Fagiolini & Brecon Baroque , bringing to life Angels & Demons with music from Naples and Spain . Intriguing revoicings by debutants Corvus Consort and Ferio Saxophone Quartet as well as a finale from Mass for Four Choirs by Orazio Benevoli , transporting you to 17th-century Rome .
Wealden Literary Festival , Boldshaves Gardens , Woodchurch // 24 - 25 June www . wealdenliteraryfestival . co . uk
Set in the picturesque Boldshaves Gardens is the Wealden Literary Festival , an event launched in 2015 with the aim to offer us the chance to step away from fast-paced modern life and celebrate nature and our own creativity . Now a wellestablished weekend welcoming acclaimed authors , poets , artists and makers , all of whom have taken the environment and wilderness as inspiration for their own work , this is a festival of passionate collaboration offering author talks ( including local writers ), craft workshops , debates and plenty of outdoor hands-on events to engage the little ones with nature . Keep an eye out for the full programme of events and visitors to be announced soon !
Battle of Britain , Headcorn // 30 June - 2 July www . bobairshow . co . uk
The Battle of Britain Airshow is back this June for another spectacular showcase of expertly choreographed aircraft displays , family attractions and captivating reenactments . Taking place in the very spot The Battle of Britain occurred over 80 years ago , you can expect to be fully engrossed in the history of what once was while enjoying all this event has to offer
Spirit of Tenterden , Tenterden // 30 June - 2 July www . spiritoftenterden . co . uk
An event marked in many of the locals calendars with an aim of bringing people together for a summer weekend of great food , drink and music . Stroll through this community festival sampling local ales , discovering new businesses offering artisan products and crafts while treating the family to ice cream , or visiting the Tea Tent run by the volunteers for a slice of cake . Check back in with the website soon to see the confirmed acts taking to the stage and the exciting arena displays , vehicles and shows due to be showcasing throughout the weekend .
Ashford Food and Drink Festival , Ashford // July 2023 www . loveashford . com
Head to Ashford Town Centre this July as we celebrate food and drink businesses across the borough ! Showcasing the diversity of produce we have on offer , this is a unique opportunity to try something and somewhere new or support some old favourites in the hospitality sector . They ’ ll be unusual pairings , delicious treats and lots of foodie fun to be had !
Canterbury Medieval Trail and Pageant , Canterbury // 1 July www . canterburybid . co . uk / canterbury-medieval-pageant
A day of colourful medieval reenactments , historical parades and engaging tasks offering a day of fun for all the family , all in celebration of Saint Thomas Becket ’ s legacy . Expect to visit the most famous historical sights of Canterbury during interactive trails , meet medieval characters and take part in a range of handson activities .
WEALDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL
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